Vollar

Vollar operates as a social enterprise, leveraging technology to foster community engagement and support local economies. Founded in 2018 by Kyle Ueckermann, the company is headquartered in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Ueckermann, a technology entrepreneur with a focus on socially driven businesses since 2012, established Vollar to address systemic social issues by reimagining volunteerism. His journey began with an early interest in computer graphics and animation, which evolved into a career in the tech space before he transitioned into entrepreneurship to create ventures with a social impact. The core of Vollar's business is a digital currency, also named Vollar, which is earned by individuals for their participation in community-enhancing projects organized by local nonprofit organizations. This model serves a dual purpose: it incentivizes volunteerism, providing a form of engagement for the unemployed, and it injects value into the local economy. Volunteers can spend their earned Vollars at small, approved local businesses, creating a closed-loop system that supports community development and small enterprise simultaneously. The company's services are designed to transform communities by rewarding members for their contributions. Vollar essentially treats volunteerism as a new form of activity for those without employment, using the digital rewards to activate local participation in addressing pressing social needs. The company has received funding through grants and angel investment to support its mission. Keywords: social enterprise, digital currency, community development, volunteer rewards, local economy, nonprofit organization, social impact, volunteerism, economic empowerment, community currency, social technology, South Africa, Stellenbosch, Kyle Ueckermann, community projects, small business support, financial inclusion, civic engagement, social innovation, community empowerment